I just received this and it’s a must read if you wonder what we’re up to as a church…why we do what we do…here it is! (Bold font, 1 Note, and Bible links are mine)
“In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.” Psalm 138:3
I don’t often share, and some of you don’t know me that well. I am typically more reserved and often in the frame of mind of Matthew 25:40 and Matthew 6:3. So know that this email is not really about me, but rather to encourage our weary, often burdened hearts.
Last year when Pastor Mike encouraged us to make the list of 10, I did so. (Note: this is the challenge to always be praying for 10 acquaintances that haven’t found their way back to God…yet) As a task driven follower, I quickly made the list, put it on our fridge and half heratedly engage in the discipline. As the weeks went on more conviction of the act of posturing myself has made this more than just a list to check off, but an intentional focus of how I can be like Jesus to these few.
Its hard for me to put into words how I am feeling at this moment. My cup runs over with the blessings and examples of how God is using me and answering my prayers. Over the past month we have seen 3 of the 10 make HUGE steps towards Jesus. If only you could of seen inside of my heart as I sat in a room last night with a woman who I have been diligently praying for, as she spoke about needing God and healing of brokenness. Two weeks ago I spent several hours with someone on my list of 10 and her family came to church! And just this morning another on the list of 10 said she wants to come to church with us next week. Huge steps People! But more so God is showing me that He is here – He hears my prayers and I am so humbled by that.
Like the art work that often decorates [our] fridge I sometimes forget about the list and its purpose. But every time I go to open the door I am reminded to pray for those on the list – its been an intentional focus on just the few, not the many that often burdens my heart.
So – I just want to be an encouragement to you as this WORKS!!
Love each and every one of you – and pray that God continues to use us to further His Kingdom.
By Grace Alone,
